Issued: 29.Oct.1997

The Tokyo Motor Show has reached its midpoint and the visitors are still coming in droves. Due to the enormous number of visitors driving to the show, the regular parking space at Makuhari Messe had to be temporarily closed at 11:40. A wider variety of visitors than ever are coming the show, including young couples, the middle-aged, the elderly and families. Exhibitors -Fuji Heavy Industries- A "revival" of the famous SUBARU 360 causes excitement. Innovating Subaru's favorite AWD system. Fuji Heavy Industries The newest technology appealing on stage. There is one section in the Subaru booth where every middle-aged and elderly person might feel a bit nostalgic, because an Elten fitted with a classic Subaru 360-looking body is displayed. But this is not some retro-style concept vehicle, but a suggestion of the economic minicar of the near future. In response to the requests of older users, the classic exterior was put in place, but underneath is a unique and newly developed hybrid power system. The hybrid system of the Elten is indeed unique. It boasts the marriage of a gasoline engine with an electric motor, which draws power from three kinds of batteries: manganese-lithium as the main power unit, condenser as an immediate power resource and solar for use during parking. Moreover, it has AWD (all wheel drive) and a CVT (continuously variable transmission) transmission to produce ultra fuel efficiency and energy recycling that is gentle to the environment. While futuristic, this vehicle is also equipped with the technologies of today. Also at the booth, full-scale images of these three motors are being displayed which should make understanding easy for everyone. The Elten Hybrid minicar Besides these concepts for environmental preservation, the Subaru booth is focusing on the theme, "Active Drive, Active Safety, SUBARU". On the main stage, Subaru introduces many new technologies under this theme, which means "safety" can only result from "drivability". Their unique "Horizontally-Opposed Engine + AWD" mechanism is carefully explained using large screen computer graphics, a moving chassis model and a cut-away body to aid understanding. Subaru's extensive experience in the production of AWD station wagons and its Active Safety technology come together in the Exciga by incorporating both VDC (vehicle dynamic control) and ADA (active drive assist). Like the Legacy, the Exciga helps make the future of AWD passenger wagons imaginable. Exhibitors -Volvo,Hyundai,Daewoo,TVR- Excellent quality adding to reliable safety Volvo A fitting result, Volvo's C70 coupe The new 40 series are jumping into the most competitive segment of the auto industry and taking its place alongside the 70 series in the Volvo lineup. The 40 series has a compact sculpted exterior and a luxurious interior. In the 70 series, the present line-up consisting of the S70 sedan and V70 wagon is exhibited with its new member, the new and long awaited C70 coupe whose simple lines blend into the front section to leave a strong impression. The V70 Bi-Fuel is Volvo's answer to the ULEV standards for emissions that the state of California will be introducing at the end of the 1990s. It can switch its power source from gasoline to natural gas (CNG) while driving. Hyundai A full-line motor manufacturer, Hyundai is exhibiting five kinds of vehicles. While not so spectacular from a design viewpoint, they can be chosen based on a user's needs. Daewoo This is the first time that Daewoo has brought its cars to a motor show in Japan. The Daewoo booth is colorful and dynamic mainly featuring its small multi-purpose vehicles from the d'ARTS series. TVR The TVR is a true handmade English sports car. Many in Japan probably do not know that TVR has 50 years of sports car making history and was the third sports car manufacturer in the world, after Porsche and Ferrari. But this right-handled, light-weight (about 1,000kg dry weight) powerful sports car should be much accepted in the Japanese market. Today 28/Oct Special interview By Reugene Nishikawa with Yuri Mitsui(photo) Reugene: What a coincidence that I should meet you in this vast exhibition area! You like cars very much. How many times have you been to the Tokyo Motor Show? Yuri: Yuri Mitsui I suppose this is my fifth. I haven't missed any of the last five. Reugene: What is your favorite point of the show? Yuri: Well, I can see future cars, because vehicles that are attracting attention will be in the market in a few years. Reugene: What is your impression of the show? Yuri: There are many compact and quite good-looking vehicles. In the past, futuristic aerodynamic automobiles were common. Also, they have expanded the exhibition area so there is a lot of space for looking around. Reugene: What do you think about the spokesmodels compared with the past. Yuri: Well, they are very stylish and their swimsuits are fashionable and striking. interviewer,Reugene NISHIKAWA Reugene: No doubt about that. Let's change the subject. (Laugh) It seems that many booths are taking upenvironmental preservation this year. environmental preservation this year. Yuri: Yes, they are. Recycling, hybrids and direct fuel injection are remarkable. Reugene: You seemed to be well informed. Yuri: I am a coordinator of a science program called "Science Eye" at NHK. On this program, I have had a lot of opportunity to learn about them, and, of course, I naturally like cars. Reugene: Well, take care and please enjoy the rest of the Tokyo Motor Show. Yuri: Thank you. Bye. Welcome to The 32nd Tokyo Motor Show Visitors 100,900 attendees

JAPAN MOTOR INDUSTRIAL FEDERATION, INC.